Murder and Grits: The Complete Savory Mystery Series Collection (A Piper Sandstone Cozy Mystery) by Karen McSpade

Author:Karen McSpade [McSpade, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Newcastle Media
Published: 2021-12-31T05:00:00+00:00

21

HIGH ANXIETY

"S haron! You work here?" said Winston Channing, pleasantly surprised as soon as he saw me approach their table. Valorie sat beside him, an almost sullen expression on her face. So much for Victory thawing her cold heart.

I was surprised to see them since I rarely saw the Channing couple out and about together, and I had never seen them dine at the Crabby Clam Café. Tonight, though, they were joined by Mike Pellegrino.

"Yes, yes I do. How are you today, Mr. Channing?"

"Not bad, not bad at all. Again, we can't thank you enough for finding Victory."

"That was really great work you gals did," said Mr. Pellegrino, his toothy wide grin infectious. "I heard all about it. I'm more of a cat person myself, but Victory is a sweetheart."

"Of course. It was a lucky coincidence. I'm just so glad he's back safe and sound,” I said through gritted teeth. Traipsing through swampland looking for clues was anything but luck. But they didn’t have to know that. That last part was true, though. Victory was a wonderful dog.

"Well, we should have you over for dinner sometime. You and the whole gang," Winston said, looking at me in earnest. "Wouldn't that be nice, sweetheart?" he said, turning to Valorie.

"Hm? Yes, yes. That would be quite lovely," Valorie said, fidgety and distracted. She wasn't even looking at me, her eyes constantly flicking to the tables on her right. She must have caught me staring because she straightened up and looked intently at the menu in front of her like I would be quizzing her on it afterward.

"So, um, what are the specials for tonight, Sherry?"

"It's Sharon."

"Mmm," she hummed, the uneasiness coming off of her like waves. She cleared her throat. "The Oysters Rockefeller sound good. Are those fresh?

"Of course. Those are brought in fresh right from the Gulf Shores. They are delicious and savory if that’s your thing."

"Yes, yes. I'll have those. And your best bottle of Sauvignon Blanc," she said, handing me back the menu brusquely.

If Winston noticed Valorie's fidgeting, he didn't comment on it. "The lamb ribs for me, please. Thanks so much, Sharon."

"I'll have my usual, the seafood gumbo," added Mike. "Pretty busy night, huh?" he said, looking around the packed restaurant. The place was buzzing with loud chatter.

"Oh yes. Friday nights are always the craziest," I smiled politely at him. I looked around the restaurant as well, my eyes searching for the Delta Queens like I always did. It took a few seconds for me to remember that they were out of town visiting a friend and would be back on Monday.

"Right, well. I'll be back in a bit with your dinners," I said, smiling brightly at them as they resumed their conversation, which was honestly just Winston and Mike talking business while Valorie squirmed in her seat.

What is with her? She’s acting like having dinner here is a death sentence. Is the Crabby Clam Café not fancy enough for her highbrow tastes?

I glided through the crowd of tables, picking up requests for more napkins or new cutlery.

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